Step into the heartwarming world of Blue Sky Hills, where the streets of Dallas, Texas, hum with stories of family, forgiveness, and self-discovery! Lisa Wingate’s Blue Sky Hills series, a gem in contemporary fiction, weaves emotionally rich tales that tug at the heartstrings. With its blend of Christian fiction and women’s literature, this series invites readers to explore the messy, beautiful bonds that define us, all set against a vibrant Southern backdrop.
From the first page, Wingate’s lyrical prose and deeply human characters pull you into a neighborhood where every house holds a story. Whether you’re a fan of heartfelt dramas or simply crave a story that feels like a warm hug, Blue Sky Hills delivers. Let’s dive into how this captivating series came to be, its unforgettable books, and why it continues to resonate.
How Blue Sky Hills Began
Lisa Wingate, a #1 New York Times bestselling author known for Before We Were Yours, launched the Blue Sky Hills series in 2008 with A Month of Summer. Inspired by her Texas roots and a knack for crafting stories about ordinary people facing extraordinary challenges, Wingate set out to create a series that felt like a love letter to community and redemption. Drawing on real-life issues like family estrangement and economic struggles, she grounded her fictional Dallas neighborhood in authenticity, making Blue Sky Hills a place readers could almost visit.
Wingate’s storytelling is fueled by her belief in the power of second chances. Her experiences as a motivational speaker and her deep connection to Texas culture shaped the series’ warm, relatable tone. Over four novels, she built a world where hope shines through even the toughest moments.
The Heart of Blue Sky Hills
The Blue Sky Hills series spans four books, each following different characters in the same Dallas neighborhood during a transformative summer. A Month of Summer (2008) introduces Rebecca Macklin, who returns to her childhood home to care for her aging father and his ailing wife, Hanna Beth. Through their strained reunion, Wingate explores forgiveness as old betrayals unravel, revealing the true meaning of family. The Summer Kitchen (2009) follows Sandra Kaye Darden, whose simple project to sell her uncle’s house becomes a mission to feed a struggling community, sparked by her unlikely bond with a young runaway, Cass Blue.
Beyond Summer (2010) shifts to Tam Lambert, a teen whose privileged life crumbles when her family’s home is foreclosed. Moving to Blue Sky Hills, she befriends Shasta Reid-Williams, a new homeowner unaware of a real estate scam threatening the neighborhood. Their friendship highlights resilience and the strength found in unlikely alliances. Finally, Dandelion Summer (2011) closes the series with Epiphany Salerno, a teen hired to help J. Norman Alvord, a widowed retiree. Their unexpected road trip uncovers family secrets and a life-changing friendship.
Wingate’s themes—family reconciliation, redemption, and personal growth—shine through her vivid Dallas setting, where gentrifying neighborhoods mirror the characters’ inner transformations. Her style blends emotional depth with a light, hopeful tone, making each book a standalone yet interconnected tale of human connection.
Why Blue Sky Hills Resonates
Blue Sky Hills stands out in Christian and women’s fiction for its universal appeal. Fans praise Wingate’s three-dimensional characters, who feel like neighbors you’d meet in real life. The series’ focus on real-world issues, from Alzheimer’s to mortgage fraud, grounds its inspirational messages in relatable struggles. Readers on Goodreads and Amazon call it a “clean read” that balances despair with hope, earning it a loyal following among those who love uplifting stories.
Its lasting charm lies in its celebration of community and the idea that home is where the heart finds peace. Wingate’s ability to weave faith and resilience into everyday life has made Blue Sky Hills a touchstone for readers seeking stories that inspire without preaching. The series’ 2012 Carol Award for Dandelion Summer underscores its impact in women’s fiction.
- Publication Years: 2008–2011
- Number of Books: 4
- Awards: 2012 Carol Award for Dandelion Summer
- Setting: Dallas, Texas
Ready to lose yourself in a series that feels like coming home? Grab A Month of Summer and step into the soul-stirring world of Blue Sky Hills!